Strip feeding mechanism



June 23, 1953 A. w. METZNER 2,643,135

STRIP FEEDING MECHANISM Filed Sept. 18, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 (IL a V I INVENTOR 416597 M. MfTZA/E/P June 23, 1953 A. w. METZNER 2,643,135

STRIP FEEDING MECHANISM Filed Sept. 18, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 unuuuucmnunum OOOOOOOOOOOCJOOOOOO I unpp nuuuuuuun uunuuu INVENTOR ALBERT W/l/fTZ/Vf)? Patented June 23, 1953 STRIP FEEDING MECHANISM Albert W. Metzner, Dayton, Ohio, assignor to The Standard Register Company, Dayton, Ohio, a

corporation of Ohio Application September 18, 1950, Serial No. 185,478

18 Claims. (01. 282-7) This invention relates to autographic registers and like machines, and more particularly to the adjustment and renewal of carbon paper as used therein in the making of duplicate copies.

Carbon paper has been used in autographic registers in various ways. One of the more common methods is to interleave sheets of carbon paper transversely of the record strips and to shift such paper by hand as required. This method is productive of inconsistent results and is objectionable as requiring frequent handling of the carbon paper by the operator. Autoniatic shifting of the carbon paper is known, but usually in a method ordinarily considered too expensive. For example, carbon paper the same length as the record strip can be interleaved with the strip and advanced simultaneously therewith.

It is an object of the instant invention to achieve practicable, automatic shifting of the carbon material in an autographic register.

Another object of the invention is to achieve carbon shifting, in a machine of the class described, which is automatic with advancement of the forms.

A further object of the invention is to provide for automatic repeated use of a carbon strip.

Still another object of the invention is to enable substantially the entire area of a carbon strip to be used irrespective of regular separation in the writing spaces. on the forms.

A further object. of the invention is to provide a strip feeding meohanisni'having the advantageous structural features, the inherent meritorious characteristics and the mode of operation herein described.

With the above primary and other incidental objects in view as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation, as hereinafter described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, or their equivalents.

In carrying out the above objects, a new method of carbon handling has been evolved wherein short, fiat strips of carbon paper, one for each duplicate copy to be made, are furnished in conjunction with a pack of continuous forms to be loaded in the register. In preparing the register for operation, the first set of forms is drawn up onto the writing table, and the carbon strips are interleaved therewith. Then, in response to each form advancing operation, whereby one set of forms is ejected from writing position and a new set drawn from the pack takes its place, the carbon strips are shifted a short distance longitudinally of the register. Thus, a difierent portion of the carbon strips underlies the writing lines on the new set of forms. The shifting of the carbon occurs in progressive step by step movements toward a forward limit of motion, and, when that is reached, the step by step movements are reversed toward a rearward limit of motion. As the carbon in the spaces used in a first series of steps wears, the initial adjustment of the carbon strips with respecttothe forms may be changed to introduce different series of steps utilizing different spaces on the strips.

In accordance with the described method, new carbon is supplied only when the register is reloaded with a new pack of forms. Interruptions between loadings for carbon adjustment is unnecessary. The carbon strips are supplied as such to be attached to carbon holders without the necessity of touching the pigment thereon. Also, the register may be loaded with forms and carbon strips without regard to the position of the shifting mechanism between the reciprocating limits. The loading position of the carbon is always the same with respect to such mechanism.

In the accompanying drawings, wherein is shown the preferred but obviously not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an autographic register in accordance with the instant invention;

Fig. 2 is a detail view, in side elevation, of the carbon shifting mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a view in cross-section, showing the carbon paper carrier and associated parts;

Fig. 4 is a detail view of the carbon shifting mechanism, in longitudinal section;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view of the register, in plan and with the lid removed; and

Fig. 6 is a. detail view, disclosing how the carbon strips are attached to the carbon holders.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, an autographic register in accordance with the instant invention may comprise a cabinet I (Fig. l), the open top of which is closed by a lid 2 pivotally mounted on studs 3 at the front of the cabinet. The lid 2 presents an opening 4 exposing the forms 5 resting on a writing table 6 (Fig. 3). The table 6 is mounted on a support 1 fixed to the cabinet by means of brackets 8 (Fig. 2). The forms are ordinarily made up in sets of two or more copies,the sets being interconnected in a continuous strip by weakened lines. The continuous forms are stored as a pack in the rear of the cabinet I from which they are withdrawn over a guide roller 9 and extended forwardly into overlying relation to the table 5.

Successive sets of forms are brought to writing position on the table 6 by form advancing means of a conventional kind. Thus, the forms have marginal perforations ll (Figs. 1 and 5) engage able by pin wheels l2 (Fig. 2) located adjacent the sides of the cabinet I. The pin wheels i2 are secured to a transverse shaft I3 rotatably mounted in the side walls of the cabinet. The shaft [3 is in the present instance operated manually by a crank handle l4 secured to the shaft outside the cabinet. It will be understood that the crank handle l4 may have differing extents of motion, depending upon the size of the pin wheels [2 and the length of the forms 5. Ordinarily, one complete set of forms is ejected from writing position, and replaced by the next succeeding set, in one full turn of the crank handle. A tear bar [5 (Fig. l) is controlled by a pair of cam discs [6 (one shown in Fig. 2), in a known manner, the tear bar normally resting on the forms so that an ejected form may be detached from the continuous strip by tearing along the weakened line. During the form advancement operation the tear bar is raised by the cam disc It so as to permit the forms freedom of movement.

In writing on the forms, the original impression is made with a pencil or the like upon the topmost or overlying form of the set. Transfer material is utilized to transmit such impression to the underlying copies, such material being, in the present instance, strips of carbon paper ll (Figs. 2 and 5). These strips are somewhat longer than the length of a form and are interleaved with the forms in the region of the writing position in overlying relation to the writing table 6. At their one ends, as shown in' Fig. 5, the carbon paper strips H are folded to receive a barbed holder l8 and are preferably rolled on such holder for secure attachment. There is a holder l8 for each carbon paper strip. An assembly comprising a carbon paper strip H and holder I8 is inserted beneath each form 5, with the holder attached end of the strip at the rear of the register and the free end of the strip extending toward the front of the register. Properly arranged, as seen in Fig. 5, the carbon strips project forwardly of the first writing line 49 on the forms and rearwardly of the bottom writing line 2! on the forms.

The holders l8 are accordingly transversely disposed over the writing table 6 and are of such length as to project beyond the side edges of the carbon strips and the forms. At the end of each holder i8 a key slot 22 is formed for attachment of the holder to a stud 23 on a bracket arm 2 As shown in Fig. 5, the two bracket arms 24 are fastened to a carbon paper carrier 25 and are arranged in embracing, partly overlying relation to the table 6. Fig. 5 discloses a second stud 23 on each bracket arm 24, useful in the event the number of carbons required involves the installation of more holders [8 than can be accommodated on one stud. The holders may be divided between the two studs, it being understood that the carbon paper strips must be correspondingly different in length.

The carbon carrier 25 is genera y p in cross section (Fig. 3) underlying the writing table 5 and having upstanding side arms each having a pair of spaced apart fingers 25 receiving therebetween a rack 21. The carrier 25 is supported by the engagement of its fingers 25 with the racks 21, which, as shown in Figs. 2-4, are mounted for longitudinal sliding motion on the respective side walls of the cabinet 1. The slid-- ing motion of the racks 2'! is limited, being defined by pins 28 in the cabinet walls engaging slots 29 in the racks. A track 3| is formed in each rack 21 by spaced openings therein, such track being engaged by a sprocket wheel 32. The pair of wheels 32 are secured to a shaft rotatably mounted in the side arms of the carbon carrier 25. Also secured to the shaft 33 is a detent disc 34 having a plurality of spaced apart peripheral notches 35. A leaf spring 35 is attached to the underside of the carrier 25 and formed with a projecting detent portion 3? engageable through an opening 38 in the carrier with a notch 35 in the disc 34. With the detent portion 31 so engaged, the spring 35 yieldingly resists turning of the sprocket wheels 32 in response to longitudinal shifting of the racks 27. Accordingly, and since the shaft 33 is held between the arms of the carrier 25, the assembly comprising racks 21, sprocket wheels 32, shaft 33 and carrier 25 tend to move in unison. Also since the carbon paper holders l8 are attached to the carrier 25, such motion of the racks H is par taken of by the carbon paper strips ll.

Adjacent its forward end, each rack 21 has a dependent portion 39 to which is pivotally connected one end of a link 4|, the opposite end of which is similarly connected to a crank arm 42. The arm 42 has an eccentrically positioned hub portion 43 fast on a shaft 44 journaled between the side Walls of cabinet I. Also secured to the shaft 44, adjacent each cabinet side wall, is a peripherally notched Geneva gear 45. Cooperable with each gear 45 is a single toothed actuating gear 46 fixed to the pin wheel shaft I3. According to the construction and arrangement of parts, therefore, the Geneva gears 45 and shaft 44 are turned in a clockwise direction (Fig. 2) one increment of motion for each complete turn of the pin wheel shaft I3. In response to such movement there is a longitudinal shifting of the links 4| and racks 21, and a corresponding motion of the carbon paper carrier 25, each time the crank handle [4 is turned to advance the forms. By reason of the crank arms 42, the motion of the racks 21 and associated parts is essentially reciprocating, although the movement to and from each extreme is accomplished in a step by step manner.

It will thus be seen that each time the crank handle I is turned to advance one set of forms 5 from writing position and the succeeding set of forms into writing position, the carbon strip or strips I! are at the same time shifted, in a longitudinal direction. As a result, those portions of the carbon paper previously underlying the writing lines on the forms are offset with respect to such lines and replaced by other portions. Although the carbon paper is continuously renewed in this manner it follows a predetermined, pattern of renewal wherein portions or areas of the carbon paper are brought successively to register with certain writing lines on the forms, such succession being a progressive cyclic operation. If the pack of forms is large, therefore, signs of wear will develop in those repeatedly used areas.

As a means of compensating for this wear,- and in order that maximum utility may be gained.

the carbon carrier 25 with respect to the racks 27 can thus be obtained, The distance between the positions is determined by the notches 3 5 in the detent disc 34, and, in each such position a new series of spaces on the carbon paper strips H is conditioned for use under the shifting of racks 2i, The limits of adjustment of the carbon carrier along the. racks 21 are defined by projecting stops 49 (Fig. .5) in the racks engageable by the fingers 26.

With further regard to variation in the initial adjustment of the carbon strips, it may be desirable to supply the carbon strips with detachable strip extensions on the free end thereof as for example the strip extensions He, l'l and FF shown in Fig. 5. Ample length for a full range of adjustment thereby is provided but'in such manner that upon each change in the setting of the carrier a protruding unused end of the strip may be easily detached.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts Without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute. the invention has been. described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise but one of several modes of putting the in vention into elTect.

H vin thus described my invention, 1 claim:

writing table for relative reciprocatory motion longitudinally thereof, a strip feeding device for advancing the forms, and a feeding mechanism for the carbon paper carrier energized. by operation of the strip feeding device for reciprocating said carbon paper carrier through step by step movements.

2. An autographic register or like device, including a writing table over which continuous superposed strips of series connected record forms are advanced past a recording position, a carbon paper carrier arranged alongside said writing table for relative reciprocatory motion longitudinally thereof, a reciprocatory support for said carrier, and a power transmission sys tem for operating said reciprocatory support, energized simultaneously with advancement of the forms.

3. An autographic register or like device, including a writing table over which continuous on paper carrier arranged alongside said superposed strips .0! series connected record forms are advancedv past a recording position, a strip feeding device for advancing said forms, and a reciprocatory carbon paper carrier mov able under the control of the strip feeding device through a predetermined rangeof reciprocatory motion longitudinally of said writing table upon energization of the strip feeding device.

4. An autographic register or like device, including a writing table over which continuous superposed strips of series connected record forms are advanced past a recording position, one or more strips of carbon paper interleaved with the record strips in the recording position, a reversibly movable carrier for the carbon paper, and a power transmission system. for moving said carrier in opposite directions, energized simultaneously with advancement of the forms longitudinally of the writing table.

5. An autographic register or like device, including a writing table over which continuous superposed strips of series connected record forms are advanced past a recording position, one or more strips of carbon paper interleaved with the record strips and extending 1ongitudinally thereof throughout the recording position. a reciprocatory carrier for the carbon paper, stops defining a range of reciprocating motion for said carrier longitudinally of the writing table, and a power transmission system for mov ing said carrier throughout an increment of such motion in either direction of travel, energized upon each advance of the record strips.

6. An autographic register or like device, including a writing table over which continuous superposed strips of series connected record forms are advanced past a recording position, one or more strips of carbon paper interleaved with the record strips and extending longitudinally thereof throughout a limited area, a strip feeding device for advancing the record strips, and a reversible carbon paper carrier energized simultaneously with energization of the strip feeding device to shift the carbon paper strips in either direction longitudinally of the writing table in accompaniment with advancement of the forms.

7. An autographic register or like device according to claim 6, characterized by means for energizing said carbon paper carrier including a crank and connecting rod intermediate the strip feeding deviceand carrier providing reciprocatory motion to the carrier and associated carbon paper strips carried thereby.

8. An autographic register or like device, including a writing, table over which continuous superposed strips of series connected record forms are advanced past a recording position, a carbon paper carrier movable longitudinally of said writing table, means including a crank and connecting rod defining a reciprocating path of movement for said carrier, a strip feeding device for advancing the record forms, and a coupling interconnecting the crank and strip feeding device intermittently operated by said sirip feeding device for reciprocating said carrier through intermittent step by step movements.

9. An autographic register or like device, including a writing table, a carbon paper carrier arranged to traverse said table, a reciprocable support for said carrier, reciprocating drive means for actuating said support, and an adjustable connection between said carrier and support means for variably adjusting said carrier with respect to said support.

10. An autographic register or like device, including a writing table over which continuous superposed strips of series connected record forms are advanced past a recording position, a carbon paper carrier for supporting strips of carbon in overlying relation to said table and in interleaved relation to the record forms, a reciprocable support for said carrier mounted for reciprocating movement longitudinally of the writing table, a crank and connecting rod mechanism for reciprocating said support through a path of predetermined extent, a strip feeding device, and a coupling interconnecting the crank mechanism and strip feeding device intermittently energized by the strip feeding device during operation thereof to actuate the crank mecha-- nism.

11. An autographic register or like device according to claim '10, characterized in that said coupling includes a Geneva movement.

12. An autographic register or like device, including a writing table over which continuous superposed strips of series connected record forms are advanced past a recording position, a carbon paper carrier for supporting strips of carbon in overlying relation to said table and in interleaved relation to the record strips, a rack mounted for limited reciprocating movement longitudinally of the writing table, an adjustable connection between said carrier and said rack normally constraining said carrier to move with said rack but permitting relative adjustment therebetween, a crank mechanism for reciproeating said rack through its said sliding movement, a record strip feeding device, and a coupling intermittently energized by the strip feeding device during operation thereof actuating said crank mechanism an increment of motion upon each advance of the strips.

13. An autographic register or like device, including side frames, a writing table over which continuous superposed strips of series connected record forms are advanced past a. recording position, a carbon paper carrier for supporting strips of carbon in overlying relation to said table and in interleaved relation to the record strips, parallel racks mounted on the inner side of respective side frames for limited sliding motion longitudinally of the writing table, sprocket wheels carried by said carrier and engaged with said racks, a spring detent normally preventing rotation of said sprocket wheels upon the racks whereby said carrier is constrained to move with said racks, manually operated adjustment means extending laterally through one of said side plates and accessible from outside the register to move said sprocket wheels along said racks to adjust said carrier with respect to said racks, and means for efiecting a step by step reciprocable movement of the racks in consonance with advancement of the record strips.

14. An autographic register or like device according to claim 13, characterized in that said last named means includes a crank mechanism actuating said crank mechanism, and intermit- 8 tently operated record strip advancing means for energizing said Geneva movement.

15. In an autographic register or like device, including a writing table over which continuous superposed strips of series connected record forms are advanced past a recording position, a strip feeding device for advancing said forms, a carbon paper carrier arranged for to and fro movement relative to said table, carbon paper strips attached to said carrier and interleaved with said record forms, and a coupling between said strip feeding device and said carrier intermittently moving said carrier to and fro an increment of motion during each operation of said strip feeding device, said carbon paper strips being thereby advanced and retracted in a regular step by step progression with respect to the advancement of the record strips.

16. An autographic register or like device according to claim 15, characterized by an adjustable connection in said coupling for changing the relation of said carbon carrier to said coupling to change the relative position of the carbon strips with respect to the record forms.

17. An autographic register or like device, including side frames, a writing table over which. continuous superposed strips of series connected record forms are advanced past a recording position, a carbon paper carrier for supporting strips of carbon in overlying relation to said table and in interleaved relation with the record strips, a mounting therefor capable of limited movement to and fro relative to the writing table, a unidirectional strip feeding device, and motion translating mechanism interconnecting the strip -ceding device and support translating unidirectional movement of the strip feeding device into progressive step'by step movements of the support in opposite directions.

18. An autographic register or like device, in cluding side frames, a writing table over which continuous superposed strips of series connected record forms are advanced past a recording position, a unidirectional strip feeding device therefor, an adjustable carbon paper carrier supporting strips of carbon paper in interleaved relation with the record strips overlying the writing table, a motion translating mechanism interconnecting the strip feeding device and carrier translating unidirectional movement of the strip feeding device into progressive step by step movements of the carrier in opposite directions, and an adjustable connection in said motion translating mechanism adjustment of which alters the position of the carrier relative to the strip feeding device and record strips advanced thereby.

ALBERT VI. METZNER.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 672,363 Haywood Apr. 16, 1901 1,925,258 Kinzer Sept. 5, 1933 1,934,897 Watson Nov. 14, 1933 2,342,554 Pelzer Feb. 22, 194A 

